Win a signed copy of Miss Fortune Cookie! Details at the end of this post.

Chapter 1

You will have much luck and little hardship.

Or the other way around.

My friends and I were riding home from school on Muni, clinging to an assortment of slippery handholds, when Linny almost blew my secret identity. Intentionally.

“Listen to this one,” she said, reading off her iPhone, a faint but smirky glint in her eyes. “‘Dear Miss Fortune Cookie. My cousin thinks I’m chasing her boyfriend. Her boyfriend and I never flirt, but sometimes we text. What can I do to make her believe me? Just Friends.'”

In fact, I–Erin Kavanagh, alias miss Fortune Cookie–had posted this very letter on my anonymous advice blog, and Linny happened to be the only person in San Francisco to know that, the only person in the whole world, except for some random administrator at WordPress. She takes every opportunity to harass me about keeping my blog a secret. “What advice would you give, Erin?” she asked, winking this time.

I kept my face as neutral as possible. Luckily Darren and Mei were only paying attention to each other. As usual.

Personally speaking, I think nano-deceptions are a good thing. I regularly use them to protect my friends from unpleasant truths. Should I really tell Linny that her favorite knit hat makes her head look like a furry meatball?

Meet Erin. Smart student, great daughter, better friend. Secretly the mastermind behind the popular advice blog Miss Fortune Cookie. Totally unaware that her carefully constructed life is about to get crazy.

It all begins when her ex-best friend sends a letter to her blog—and then acts on her advice. Erin’s efforts to undo the mess will plunge her into adventure, minor felonies, and possibly her very first romance.

What’s a likely fortune for someone no longer completely in control of her fate? Hopefully nothing like: You will become a crispy noodle in the salad of life.

What people are saying:

“An honest and charming portrayal of love, loyalty, and friendship with characters as lovable as they are real.”–Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List

“Witty and unexpected with a fresh and unique main character!”–Janet Gurtler, author of I’m Not Her

“Touching and fun; refreshing and original.”–Jennifer Hubbard, author of The Secret Year

“So funny and clever, and I loved Erin so much.”–Sarah MacLean, author of The Season

“Seamlessly told at an electric pace. We should all be so lucky to have a friend as compassionate and dynamic as Erin.”–Danielle Joseph, author of Shrinking Violet

Released: November 13, 2012

About the author:

Lauren Bjorkman is the author of two YA novels, My Invented Life and Miss Fortune Cookie. As a kid, she lived aboard a sailboat with her family, exploring the world. The ocean still terrifies her. When she’s not writing, reading, or traveling (by plane, train, or car) she spends time with family and friends. Her most recent addictions—watching Downton Abbey and eating chocolate—are most enjoyable when indulged in simultaneously. Visit her at http://laurenbjorkman.com.

Giveaway:

Lauren has been kind enough to contribute a signed copy of Miss Fortune Cookie for a giveaway!

The contest is open in the US and Canada, and ends on November 28th at midnight EST.